Azare dedicates Continental Security Awards to IGP, Governor
The Nigeria Police Force and the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have bagged major continental accolades at the 19th Security Watch Africa Conference and Awards, held on Thursday, 23 July 2026, at the President Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul, The Gambia.
During the event, the Nigeria Police Force was named the Most Outstanding National Police in Africa (2025) for operational effectiveness and policing excellence. The Akwa Ibom Command earned the title of Most Proactive State Police Command in Nigeria (2025), while its leader, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, was crowned Best Commissioner of Police in Crime Busting in West and Central Africa.
Etim Ekpimah
The Nigeria Police Force and the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have bagged major continental accolades at the 19th Security Watch Africa Conference and Awards, held on Thursday, 23 July 2026, at the President Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul, The Gambia.
During the event, the Nigeria Police Force was named the Most Outstanding National Police in Africa (2025) for operational effectiveness and policing excellence. The Akwa Ibom Command earned the title of Most Proactive State Police Command in Nigeria (2025), while its leader, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, was crowned Best Commissioner of Police in Crime Busting in West and Central Africa.
Receiving the awards on behalf of the Force, Azare dedicated the honours to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu; the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno; and the gallant officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.
Azare described the recognition as a reflection of IGP Disu’s purposeful leadership and ongoing reforms. Representing the IGP at the conference, Azare presented a paper titled “Engaging Global Best Practices in Policing Internal Security: The Nigeria Police Force Example,” highlighting advancements in intelligence-led policing, technological integration, inter-agency collaboration, and community engagement.
The commissioner also praised Governor Umo Eno for his unwavering commitment to state security, noting that consistent state support and investment in infrastructure have significantly boosted operational capacity across Akwa Ibom.
Dedicating the honours to the rank and file, Azare commended the courage, discipline, and sacrifices of police officers serving under challenging conditions.
He thanked the organisers of the Security Watch Africa Conference and reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to sustain proactive crime prevention, strengthen community relations, and safeguard lives and property across the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, on behalf of the commissioner and made available to journalists on Friday, 24 July 2026.
